Executive Dysfunction in ADHD: Definition, Life Impact, and Treatment
By Haley McRaven, BSN AbstractExecutive dysfunction—difficulty in planning, organizing, initiating, sustaining, and regulating goal-directed behavior—is a core aspect of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) for many people and contributes substantially to impairment across the lifespan. This paper reviews definitions and models of executive dysfunction in ADHD, summarizes how executive problems affect daily life (school, work, relationships, emotion, […]
Space Ghost: A Superhero’s Psyche Through a PMHNP-BC Lens
By Andrew J. Hewitt, APRN-BC Abstract Space Ghost—a classic superhero from Hanna-Barbera’s 1960s animated series, later reimagined in offbeat Adult Swim programming and modern comics—offers a rich case study in identity conflict, role adaptation, and existential dissonance. This blog explores the psychological dimensions behind his evolution—from galactic crime-fighter to surreal talk-show host—through DSM-5 constructs such as […]
Month 2: Getting Tactical With Your Emotions
By: Karen Schwartz Triana LMHC Because emotions don’t come with an instruction manual — but therapy does. Welcome back! Month 1 was about finding calm; Month 2 is about getting tactical — learning how to actively manage your feelings when life throws you curveballs disguised as toddlers, deadlines, and weirdly aggressive seagulls. Week 5: Coping Cards (Your […]
Breaking the System: A PMHNP-BC’s Clinical Exploration of Spider-Punk (Hobart Brown) Through DSM-5
By Andrew J. Hewitt, APRN-BC Abstract Spider-Punk, also known as Hobart “Hobie” Brown from Earth-138, updates the Spider-Man legacy with rebellion, music, and activism. This essay examines his psychological profile using DSM-5 frameworks, exploring trauma, anarchic identity, and resilience through fictional narrative. It highlights how his story resonates with youth resistance and empowerment, providing clinicians […]
Could Insulin Resistance Be Driving Treatment-Resistant Depression? And How EXOMIND TMS Might Help
By Andrew J Hewitt, PMHNP-BC Abstract Treatment-resistant depression (TRD) remains a formidable clinical challenge. Emerging evidence suggests that metabolic dysregulation—particularly insulin resistance (IR)—may underlie or perpetuate depressive states unresponsive to standard therapies. This blog reviews recent evidence linking IR to antidepressant nonresponse, explores possible mechanistic pathways (neuroinflammation, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, neurotransmitter dysregulation), and describes how EXOMIND […]
Existence Erased: A PMHNP-BC’s Clinical Analysis of Spider-Boy (Bailey Briggs)
By Andrew J. Hewitt, APRN-BC Abstract Bailey Briggs, known as Spider-Boy, is a young superhero whose existence was literally erased from reality—bringing unique psychological complexities surrounding identity, trauma, reality, and belonging. This article explores his mental health through a DSM-5 lens, addressing themes such as identity disruption, grief, existential insecurity, and resilience. His narrative offers […]
Finding Calm in Chaos: Regaining Emotional Control with ACT in New Port Richey
By: Yvette Triana LMHC Not long ago, a client in my New Port Richey office shared, “I feel like I’m drowning in stress. No matter what I do, my emotions run the show.” That sense of being pulled under by our own feelings is something many people know all too well. When stress builds—whether from work, family […]
Unraveling Wiccan: A PMHNP-BC’s Mental Health Perspective on Billy Kaplan
By: Andrew Hewitt, PMHNP-BC AbstractWilliam “Billy” Kaplan—codename Wiccan—is a powerful young superhero in the Marvel Universe. As a queer, Jewish teen grappling with trauma, identity, and extraordinary magical powers, his psychological landscape is rich for clinical exploration. This blog, authored by a PMHNP-BC, examines his character through the lens of the DSM-5, grounding the analysis […]
More Than One Goodbye: The Mental Health Impact of Polyamorous Breakups
By: Andrew Hewitt, PMHNP-BC As a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I’ve observed that breakups are among the most challenging life events, regardless of relationship structure. However, the dissolution of a polyamorous relationship can present unique and complex mental health challenges that are often misunderstood or invalidated by a mononormative society. The grief, anxiety, and distress […]
Breaking Free: A PMHNP-BC’s Clinical Insight into Laura Kinney (X-23)
By Andrew J. Hewitt, APRN-BC Abstract Laura Kinney, known as X-23, embodies profound themes of trauma, identity fragmentation, self-harm, and eventual growth. Created as a cloned assassin, her journey mirrors complex post-traumatic stress, dissociation, and recovery pathways. This blog explores X-23’s psychological profile through DSM-5–informed constructs and recent comic storylines, offering a narrative that resonates with […]